KERRY STRONGMAN

Kerry Strongman is his Maori name. Kaha means strong and Tane means man or god. He was born with a clot of blood clenched in both fists, a special sign of good luck. During the three days after his birth he was taken by the Maori elders in between feeding. What sort of ritual was performed is not known. Afterwards, one of these ‘elders’ settled on his father’s lands to be near him every day. He was taught never to bind himself to anything but instead to be at everyone’s service. Born in the King country of Irish, Scottish, English and Maori heritage, Kerry is the oldest of five sons, father of four and grandfather of seven. Kerry sought many forms of employment to gain several degrees from the University of Life and livingness, finally settling on a career as a chef. This career took him all over the planet. Perfect for Kerry and his pursuit of “enlightenment through the arts”. Kerry has travelled over quite a big chunk of the planet learning from the ways of various local and indigenous people. His journeys have taken him to various places in the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China and various other countries in North and South America. While Kerry worked in Australia he was privileged to have made close friendships with a very special group of Aboriginals. Before returning to New Zealand Kerry worked in and around the gulf of Mexico and explored the cultures, arts and artefacts of its many diverse peoples.

THE TOANGA (The Sacred Gift)

Many Maoris wear small amulets carved out of greenstone or whale bone, which often have a mythical significance. All of Kerry Strongman’s work starts with such a mythological principal form. The more detailed finish differs per object and is not always done by him, but ALL of the work is under his direct control and supervision. Kerry’s work is based on the knowledge and truth of his ancestors. He believes all his knowledge is a gift from God and came to him through his ancestors. Especially in his artworks he expresses this spiritual connection.
Kerry carves not only art from Kauri. He often uses whale bone, greenstone and other stones besides other kinds of wood. He likes people to physically touch his work. He only produces works that will bring pleasure to the eye and to the mind through all possible senses. Kerry's work is always created in the positive never in the negative.